BCCI choose thier 15-member warriors to defend World Cup

Indian team for World Cup 2015 declared by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday to defend their championship. As usual, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead 14 warriors selected by selection panel that is headed by Sandeep Patil. Yuvraj Singh, all-rounder and player of the tournament for World Cup 11, is dropped out from the squad. Murali Vijay also was not able to make his place in the side.

Previously, Sandip Patil had shortlisted 30 players for the World Cup from those they gave a chance to best 15 players. World Cup is planned to host by New Zealand and Australia from February 14 to March 29. India has played 95 ODIs after winning the World Cup 11 and won 25 at home grounds and 32 outside home. India played their last series in Australia three years ago which was tri-series, and won three ODIs, lost four with one draw against Sri Lanka and Australia. India also lost four matches and tied the match at Auckland against New Zealand in January, 14. Overall, Indian does not have an excellent track record at Australian and New Zealand pitches. India suffered at bouncy pitches in batting and bowling both as BCCI chose four specialist seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav with one medium pace bowler Stuart Binny to be a cause of trouble for opponents.

An injured Ravindra Jadeja and young spinner Axar Patel had got a chance to prove their skills in bowling and batting as well. All-rounder Stuart Binny and Ambati Rayudu succeeded to make their place in World Cup side.

Patel said, “Not only Yuvraj Singh but other names were also discussed apart from the 30 probables. There were deliberations between five selectors and captain Dhoni and Coach Duncan Fletcher were on the conference call.” He further added on Jadeja’s fitness, “Jadeja at present is undergoing rehabilitation. He is doing wonderfully well. We had detailed discussion with BCCI pshyio (on his inclusion) and we are confident that he will return to training within ten days.”

The selectors also released the team for tri-series involving England and Australia, which is to be held from January 16 to February 1. Selectors included Mohit Sharma and Dhawal Kulkarni apart from World Cup 15-member squad.